Dual panel type organic electroluminescent device and method of fabrication thereof

ABSTRACT

An organic electroluminescent device includes first and second substrates facing each other and spaced apart from each other, each of the first and second substrates having a first region and a second region in a periphery of the first region; an array element on an inner surface of the first substrate, the array element having a thin film transistor; an organic electroluminescent diode on an inner surface of the second substrate in the first region; a connection electrode between the first and second substrates in the first region, the connection electrode connecting the first and second substrates electrically; a spacer on an inner surface of the first substrate in the second region, the spacer having a thickness corresponding to a height of the connection electrode; an absorbent layer on an inner surface of the second substrate in the second region; and a seal pattern attaching the first and second substrates, the seal pattern outside of the absorbent layer, wherein first laminate layers including the organic electroluminescent diode of the second substrate in the first region have a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of second laminate layers including the absorbent layer of the second substrate in the second region.

The present invention claims the benefit of the Korean PatentApplication No. 2003-100682 filed in Korea on Dec. 30, 2003, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent device,more particularly, to a dual panel type organic electroluminescentdevice and a method of fabrication thereof.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Among flat panel displays (FPDs), organic electroluminescent devices(ELD) have been of particular interest in research and developmentbecause they are light-emitting type displays that feature wide viewingangle and desirable contrast ratio, as compared with liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) devices. Because such organic ELDs do not require abacklight, they are small and lightweight, as compared to other types ofdisplay devices. The organic ELDs have other desirable characteristics,such as low power consumption, superior brightness and fast responsetime. When driving the organic ELDs, only a low direct current (DC)voltage is required. Moreover, a fast response speed can be obtained. Itis understood in the industry that because the organic ELDs are entirelyformed with solid materials, which is different from LCD devices, theyare sufficiently strong to withstand external impacts and also have awider operational temperature range. Moreover, because fabricatingorganic ELDs is a relatively simple process with a few processing steps,it is much cheaper to produce organic ELDs than LCD devices or plasmadisplay panels (PDPs). In particular, manufacturing the organic ELDsonly requires deposition and encapsulation apparatuses.

An active matrix organic ELD has a storage capacitor in each pixel tomaintain a voltage that is applied to the pixel until the next frame,regardless of the number of the scanning lines. Because a uniformbrightness is obtained throughout the pixels with a low applied currentdue to the storage capacitor, an active matrix organic ELD of low powerconsumption, high resolution and large area can be manufactured.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic ELD accordingto a related art. Referring to FIG. 1, first and second substrates 10and 20 face each other and are spaced apart from each other. An arrayelement layer “AL” is formed on the first substrate 10, and includes aplurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) “T.” Although not shown inFIG. 1, the array element layer “AL” further includes a plurality ofgate lines and a plurality of data lines crossing the plurality of thegate lines. A pixel region “P” is defined at a crossing of the gate anddate lines. The TFTs “T” are located in the pixel region “P.” Inaddition, a plurality of first electrodes 22, an organicelectroluminescent (EL) layer 24 and a second electrode layer 26 aresequentially formed on the array element layer “AL.” The firstelectrodes 22 are connected to the TFTs “T.” The first electrode 22, theorganic electroluminescent (EL) layer 24 and the second electrode layer26 constitute an organic EL diode “D_(EL)” in the pixel region “P.”

Meanwhile, the second substrate 20 is an encapsulating panel having areceded portion “RP.” The receded portion “RP” has an absorbent 28 inorder to protect the organic ELD from moisture. A seal pattern 29 isformed between the first and second substrates 10 and 20, specifically,at an outermost edge thereof. With the seal pattern 29, the first andsecond substrates 10 and 20 are attached to each other.

FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of the organic electroluminescentdevice according to the related art. In FIG. 2A, a gate line 37 crossesa data line 51 and a power line 42, with the data line 51 and the powerline 42 being spaced apart from each other. A pixel region “P” isdefined by the gate line 37, the data line 51 and the power line 42. Aswitching thin film transistor (TFT) “T_(S)” is located adjacent to thecrossing of the gate line 37 and the data line 51. A driving TFT “T_(D)”is connected to the switching TFT “T_(S)” and the power line 42. Astorage capacitor “C_(ST)” uses a portion of the power line 42 as afirst capacitor electrode and an active pattern 34 extending from anactive layer 31 of the switching TFT “T_(S)” as a second capacitorelectrode. A first electrode 58 is connected to the driving TFT “T_(D),”and an organic electroluminescent (EL) layer (not shown) and a secondelectrode (not shown) are sequentially formed on the first electrode 58.The first and second electrodes and the organic EL layer interposedtherebetween constitute an organic EL diode “D_(EL).”

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line “II-II”in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B, the driving thin film transistor (TFT) “T_(D)”including an active layer 32, a gate electrode 38 and source and drainelectrodes 50 and 52 are formed on a substrate 10. The source electrode50 is connected to the power line 42, and the drain electrode 52 isconnected to the first electrode 58. An active pattern 34 made of thesame material as the active layer 32 is formed under the power line 42with an insulating layer 40 interposed therebetween. The active pattern34 and the power line 42 constitute the storage capacitor “C_(ST).” Anorganic electroluminescent (EL) layer 64 and a second electrode layer 66are sequentially formed on the first electrode 58, and constitute anorganic EL diode “D_(EL).” A first insulating layer 30 is formed betweenthe substrate 1 and the active layer 32. The first insulating layer 30may serve as a buffer layer. A second insulating layer 36 is formedbetween the active layer 32 and the gate electrode 38. A thirdinsulating layer 40 is formed between the active pattern 34 and thepower line 42. A fourth insulating layer 44 is formed between the powerline 42 and the source electrode 50. A fifth insulating layer 54 isformed between the drain electrode 52 and the first electrode 58. Asixth insulating layer 60 is formed between the first electrode 58 andthe organic EL layer 64. The third to sixth insulating layers 40, 44, 54and 60 include contact holes for electric connections.

In the organic ELD according to the related art, the array element layerhaving TFTs and the organic electroluminescent (EL) diode are formed onthe first substrate, and the second substrate is attached to the firstsubstrate for encapsulation. However, when the array element layerhaving TFTs and the organic EL diode are formed on one substrate in thisway, production yield of the organic ELD is determined by amultiplication of the array element layer's yield and the organic ELdiode's yield. Because the yield of the organic EL diode is relativelylow, the production yield of the overall ELD becomes limited by theyield of the organic EL diode. For example, even when TFTs are wellfabricated, an organic ELD using a thin film of about 1000 Å thicknesscan be determined to be defective due to a defect of an organic emissionlayer. This results in loss of materials and high production costs.

In the meanwhile, organic ELDs are classified into a bottom emissiontype and a top emission type according to an emission direction of lightused for displaying images via the organic ELDs. The bottom emissiontype organic ELDs have such advantages as high encapsulation stabilityand high process flexibility. However, the bottom emission type organicELDs are ineffective for high resolution devices because they have a lowaperture ratio. In contrast, the top emission organic ELDs have a higherexpected life span because they are more easily designed and have a highaperture ratio. However, in the top emission type organic ELDs, thecathode is generally formed on an organic emission layer. As a result,transmittance and optical efficiency of the top emission type organicELDs are reduced because of a limited number of materials that can beselected. When a thin film passivation layer is formed to avoid thereduction of light transmittance, the thin film passivation layer mayfail to block infiltration of exterior air into the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an organicelectroluminescent device and a method of fabricating thereof thatsubstantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations anddisadvantages of the related art.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide an organic ELDhaving an improved production yield, a high resolution and a highaperture ratio. An organic ELD according to the present invention is adual panel type such that an array element layer having TFTs and anorganic EL diode are formed on their respective substrates.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a dual paneltype organic ELD having an absorbent layer that has absorbing ability.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows and in part will be apparent from thedescription or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, an organicelectroluminescent device includes first and second substrates facingeach other and spaced apart from each other, each of the first andsecond substrates having a first region and a second region in aperiphery of the first region; an array element on an inner surface ofthe first substrate, the array element having a thin film transistor; anorganic electroluminescent diode on an inner surface of the secondsubstrate in the first region; a connection electrode between the firstand second substrates in the first region, the connection electrodeconnecting the first and second substrates electrically; a spacer on aninner surface of the first substrate in the second region, the spacerhaving a thickness corresponding to a height of the connectionelectrode; an absorbent layer on an inner surface of the secondsubstrate in the second region; and a seal pattern attaching the firstand second substrates, the seal pattern outside of the absorbent layer,wherein first laminate layers including the organic electroluminescentdiode of the second substrate in the first region have a thicknesssubstantially equal to a thickness of second laminate layers includingthe absorbent layer of the second substrate in the second region.

In another aspect, a method of fabricating an organic electroluminescentdevice, includes: forming an array element including a thin filmtransistor on a first substrate having a first region and a secondregion in a periphery of the first region; forming a spacer on the firstsubstrate in the second region; forming an organic electroluminescentdiode on a second substrate having the first region and the secondregion, the organic electroluminescent diode in the first region;forming an absorbent layer on the second substrate in the second region;forming a connection electrode on one of the first and secondsubstrates; and connecting the first and second substrates electricallythrough the connection electrode, wherein first laminate layersincluding the organic electroluminescent diode of the second substratein the first region have a thickness substantially equal to a thicknessof second laminate layers including the absorbent layer of the secondsubstrate in the second region.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic ELD accordingto a related art.

FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of the organic electroluminescentdevice according to the related art in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line “II-II”in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dual panel type organicelectroluminescent device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a panel saggingproblem.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a dual panel type organicelectroluminescent device according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic cross-sectional views taken along the lines“VI-VI” and “VII-VII” in FIG. 5, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line “VI-VI”in FIG. 5 according to a modified second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a fabricating process of a dual type organicELD of FIGS. 6 and 7 according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organicelectroluminescent (EL) device of a dual panel type according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

The dual panel type organic EL device in FIG. 3 includes a full-colorelement. The full-color element can be a single-layer color filterhaving red, green and blue color filters or a dual-layer color filterhaving a color filter layer and color-changing mediums. When thesingle-layer color filter is used as the full-color element for anorganic EL device, an organic electroluminescent (EL) layer for theorganic electroluminescent (EL) diode includes a single color emittingmaterial (e.g., a white color emitting material). On the other hand,when the dual-layer color filter is used as the full-color element foran organic EL device, an organic EL layer for the organic EL diodeincludes a single color emitting material (e.g., a blue color emittingmaterial such as a sky blue color material or a greenish blue colormaterial). In FIG. 3, the dual panel type organic EL device includes asingle-layer color filter as a full-color element.

Referring to FIG. 3, first and second substrates 110 and 130 face eachother and are spaced apart from each other. A first region “DR” and asecond region “SR” in a periphery of the first region “DR” are definedboth in the first and second substrates 110 and 130. Specifically, thefirst region “DR” corresponds to a display region, and the second region“SR” corresponds to a side region in an attached region of the first andsecond substrates 110 and 130.

Still referring to FIG. 3, an array element layer “AL” having aplurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) “T” is formed on the firstsubstrate 110. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the array element layer“AL” includes a plurality of gate lines in a first direction and aplurality of data lines crossing the plurality of gate lines in a seconddirection. In addition, a pixel region “P” is defined at a crossing ofthe gate and data lines, and the pixel region “P” is spaced apart fromneighboring pixel regions. A plurality of connection electrodes 120 areformed on the array element layer “AL.” In addition, the TFT “T” and theconnection electrode 120 are connected in the pixel region “P.” The TFT“T” includes a switching TFT (not shown) and a driving TFT (not shown)connected to the switching TFT, and the TFT “T” may be anamorphous-silicon TFT or a poly-silicon TFT. The TFT “T” connected tothe connection electrode 120 is the driving TFT.

Meanwhile, a color filter layer 131, an overcoat layer 132 and a barrierlayer 134 are sequentially formed on the second substrate 130, and afirst electrode 136 is formed on an entire surface of the barrier layer134. In addition, an interlayer 138 is formed on the first electrode 136in a non-pixel region (not shown) at a boundary of the pixel regions“P”, and a separator 140 is formed on the interlayer 138 in thenon-pixel region. The separator 140 has a thickness corresponding to agap between the first and second substrates 110 and 130. In addition, aplurality of organic EL layers 142 and a plurality of second electrodes144 are sequentially formed on the first electrode 136 in the pixelregion “P” surrounded by the separator 140. The organic EL layer 142 andthe second electrode 144 are automatically patterned by the separator140. The first electrode 136, the organic EL layer 142 and the secondelectrode 144 constitute an organic EL diode “D_(EL).” When the organicEL diode “D_(EL)” is a top emission type, the first electrode 136 mayinclude a transparent conductive material. For example, when the firstelectrode 136 functions as an anode, and the second electrode 144functions as a cathode, the first electrode 136 may be made of one ofindium-tin-oxide (ITO), indium-zinc-oxide (IZO) andindium-tin-zinc-oxide (ITZO).

Meanwhile, the color filter layer 131 includes red, green and blue colorfilters 131 a, 131 b and 131 c, each of which is located in each pixelregion “P.” Although not shown in FIG. 3, a black matrix (not shown) maybe formed on the second substrate 130 in border portions of the red,green and blue color filters 131 a, 131 b and 131 c. The overcoat layer132 can level height differences between the red, green and blue colorfilters 131 a, 131 b and 131 c and overlapped or spaced portiontherebetween. Moreover, the barrier layer 134 can prevent outgassingfrom the color filter layer 131 and stabilize thin film patternsthereon, and the interlayer138 can prevent shorting between the firstand second electrodes 136 and 144. The first and second substrates 110and 130 are attached to each other with a seal pattern 150 therebetweenin an outermost edge.

Accordingly, the array element layer “AL” and the organic EL diode“D_(EL)” are formed on their respective substrates, thereby increasingproduct yield and efficiency. In addition, the overall design of thearray layer including TFTs may be simplified. When the dual panel typeorganic ELD is a top emission type, it further has such advantages as ahigh aperture ratio, a high resolution and a long expected life span.

Meanwhile, the first region “DR” is defined as a region including theplurality of the pixel regions “P,” and the second region “SR” isdefined as a side region of the first region “DR.” The second region“SR” is located between the first region “DR” and a portion of the sealpattern 150. A plurality of spacers 152 are formed between the first andsecond substrates 110 and 130 in the second region “SR.” The spacers 152are simultaneously formed with the connection electrodes 120 using thesame material of the connection electrodes 120. Although not shown inFIG. 3, the spacers 152 are formed in a surrounding portion to prevent apanel sagging of the first and/or second substrates 110 and/or 130.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a panel saggingproblem. Referring to FIG. 4, a dual panel type organic ELD 160 hasfirst laminated layers 162 in a first region “DR,” and second laminatedlayers 164 in a second region “SR.” After first and second substrates110 and 130 are attached to each other, the first and second laminatelayers 162 and 164 have a thickness difference “d1.” Because a portionof the second substrate 130 in the second region “SR” does not includeany laminate layer, a thickness “d2” of the first laminated layers 162is greater than a thickness “d3” of the second laminated layers 164. Asa result, a panel sagging problem may occur in a portion “PS,” and pixelregions “P” adjacent to the second region “SR” may be affected by thepanel sagging problem. If the first and second substrates 110 and 130are pressed under a much stronger pressure than a normal pressure andare misaligned during the attachment process, the panel sagging problemmay exacerbate. Furthermore, because the organic ELD 160 including afull-color element needs the overcoat layer 132 (of FIG. 3) and thebarrier layer 134 (of FIG. 3) between the second substrate 130 andorganic EL diode “D_(EL)” (of FIG. 3), which means, the overcoat layer132 (of FIG. 3) and the barrier layer 134 (of FIG. 3) should have enoughthickness to perform their functions, the panel sagging problem due tothe thickness difference “d1” between the first and second region “DR”and “SR” further exacerbates.

In addition, the dual panel type organic ELD 160 may not have enoughadditional space to include an absorbent as compared with the organicELD of the related art. Because the organic ELD according to the relatedart does not include any thin film pattern on the second substrate thatfunctions as an encapsulating panel, it has enough space to include anabsorbent on an inner surface of the second substrate, thereby having anabsorbing ability. However, because the first and second substratesaccording to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 have the array elementlayer and the organic EL diode, respectively, there is not enough spacefor an absorbent.

Hereinafter, a dual panel type organic ELD having an absorbent layeraccording to a second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed, which is able to overcome the disadvantages explained above.An absorbent layer is located in a side region and has a buffer functionto minimize the panel sagging problem.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a dual panel type organic ELDaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 6 and7 are schematic cross-sectional views taken along the lines “VI-VI” and“VII-VII” of FIG. 5, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5, first and second substrates 210 and 250 face eachother and are spaced apart from each other. The first and secondsubstrates 210 and 250 are attached to each other with a seal pattern270 therebetween in an outermost edge. A first region “DR”, a secondregion “SR” in a periphery of the first region “DR” are defined both inthe first and second substrates 210 and 250. Although not shown in FIG.5, an organic EL diode “D_(EL)” is formed on an inner surface of thesecond substrate 250, which includes first and second electrodes and anorganic EL layer between the first and second electrodes. When the firstelectrode is formed on an entire surface of the second substrate, thefirst electrode may function as a common electrode connected to an outerIC (not shown), and the second region “SR” of the second substrate 250includes an connection portion “OP” of the outer IC. In addition, anabsorbent layer 276 is formed on the second substrate 250. The absorbentlayer 276 surrounds the second region “SR” except the outer ICconnection portion “OP,” to improve absorbing ability. This is becauseabsorbing ability is in proportion to a size of the absorbent layer 276.The absorbent layer 276 may be formed of a single layer or multiplelayers with a plurality of thin film patterns, and it may be made insubstantially any manner desired. The absorbent layer 276 has anabsorbing ability. Thus, it eliminates moisture inside the panel andprevents the panel sagging problem resulting from a thickness differencebetween the first and second region “DR” and “SR.” The absorbent layer276 may be formed of a non-solvent type absorbent material.

Meanwhile, a dummy layer 278 is formed on the second substrate 250 inthe outer IC connection portion “OP” of the second region “SR.” Althoughnot shown in FIG. 5, the dummy layer 278 may extend to the laminatedlayers (not shown) of the second substrate 250 in the first region “DR.”As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent layer 276 and the dummy layer 278 areformed on the second substrate 250 in the second region “SR,” but theyare located independently.

Hereinafter, a specific cross-sectional structure of the dual panel typeorganic ELD according to the second embodiment of the present inventionwill be set forth.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first and second substrates 210 and 250 faceeach other and are spaced apart from each other. The first and secondsubstrates 210 and 250 are attached to each other with a seal pattern270 therebetween in an outermost edge. The first region “DR” and thesecond region “SR” shown in FIG. 5 are defined both in the first andsecond substrates 210 and 250. An array element layer “AL” having aplurality of TFTs “T” is formed on an inner surface of the firstsubstrate 210, and a plurality of connection electrodes 220 are formedon the array element layer “AL.” The TFT “T” include a switching TFT(not shown) and a driving TFT (not shown), although not shown in FIG. 6,the connection electrode 220 is connected to the driving TFT. Inaddition, the TFT “T” can be an amorphous-silicon TFT or a poly-siliconTFT in substantially any manner desired. In addition, a plurality ofspacers 222 are formed on the first substrate 210 in the second region“SR.” The spacer has a thickness corresponding to a height of theconnection electrode 220.

A color filter layer 252 is formed on an inner surface of the secondsubstrate 250 in the first region “DR,” and a plurality of organic ELdiodes “D_(EL)” are formed on the color filter layer 252. The organic ELdiode “D_(EL)” includes first and second electrodes 264 and 268 and anorganic EL layer 266 therebetween. An overcoat layer 260 and a barrierlayer 262 are sequentially formed between the color filter layer 252 andthe first electrode 264. Furthermore, an absorbent layer 276 is formedon an inner surface of the second substrate 250 in the second region“SR.” Accordingly, all the layers from the color filter layer 252 to thesecond electrode 268 constitute a first laminated layers 253.

The absorbent layer 276 according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention has a thickness corresponding to a thickness “D1” ofthe first laminate layers 253. In other words, the thickness “D1” of thefirst laminate layers 253 is substantially equal to a thickness “D2” ofthe absorbent layer 276. For example, a thickness difference between thethicknesses “D1” and “D2” can be less than 500 nm. Thus, the absorbentlayer 276 can function as an absorbent inside the panel and as a buffercapable of minimizing a thickness difference between the first andsecond regions “DR” and “SR.” In addition, the dummy layer 278 (of FIG.5) in the outer IC connection portion “OP” is desired to control a wholethickness of the organic ELD panel.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first laminated layers 253 shown in FIG. 6 areformed on an inner surface of the second substrate 250 in the firstregion “DR,” and the dummy layer 278 is formed on an inner surface ofthe second substrate 250 in the second region “SR.” The dummy layer 278is formed using the same material as the first laminated layers 253, andthus a thickness of the dummy layer 278 is substantially equal to thethickness “D1” shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, the outer IC connectionportion “OP” shown in FIG. 5 is located in the second region “SR” (ofFIG. 5). Although not shown in FIG. 7, the first electrode 264 (of FIG.6) contacts an outer IC (not shown) in the outer IC connection portion“OP.” In addition, a main element of the array element layer “AL” (asshown in FIG. 6) is formed in the first region “DR,” and a side elementof the array element layer “AL” such as a pad connected to the outer IC(not shown) is formed in the second region “SR” (of FIG. 5).

Hereafter, another laminated structure in a second region “SR” accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line “VI-VI”of FIG. 5 according to a modified second embodiment of the presentinvention. Because FIG. 8 shows a modified laminated structure in asecond region “SR,” only characteristic parts will be explained,compared with FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 8, a buffer layer 382 and anabsorbent layer 376 are sequentially formed on a second substrate 350 ina second region “SR.” A thickness “D3” is substantially equal to athickness “D1.” For example, a thickness difference between thethicknesses “D1” and “D3” can be less than 500 nm as in the samerelationship between the thicknesses “D1” and “D2” of FIG. 6. Althoughnot shown in FIG. 8, the absorbent layer 376 is not located in the outerIC connection portion “OP” (of FIG. 7).

Still referring to FIG. 8, the buffer layer 382 and the absorbent layer376 are spaced apart from a first laminate layers 353. However, when theabsorbent layer 376 includes a non-conductive material, it may contactthe first laminated layers 353. Therefore, the absorbent layer 376 maybe manufactured easier than the absorbent layer 276 shown in FIG. 6. Inaddition, the buffer layer 382 is formed of at least one of thematerials of the first laminate layers 353. The absorbent layer 376 maybe formed of the same material as an overcoat layer 360, a barrier layer362 or a interlayer 366, which may be selected from a transparentmaterial.

A dual panel organic ELD according to the present invention may includean independent emission type organic EL layer, which includes red, greenand blue emission layers, without an overcoat layer, a barrier layer anda full color element. For a dual panel organic ELD having a full-colorelement, a thickness difference between the display region and theperiphery region of the display region is greater than a thicknessdifference of an independent emission type. Thus, a structure having anabsorbent layer or a structure having a buffer layer and an absorbentlayer is more effective for a dual panel organic ELD having a full-colorelement.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a fabricating process of the dual type organicELD of FIGS. 6 and 7 according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 9, the first region “DR” and the secondregion “SR” shown in FIG. 6 are defined in the first and secondsubstrates 210 and 250.

In step ST1, the array element layer “AL” having a plurality of TFTs “T”is formed on the first substrate 210, and the plurality of connectionelectrodes 220 are formed on the array element layer “AL.” Theconnection electrode 220 is connected to the TFT “T” in the first region“DR” shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the plurality of spacers 222 areformed on the first substrate 210 in the second region “SR.” Theconnection electrode 220 has a thickness equal to a thickness of thespacer 222, because they are formed by the same process and materialshown in FIG. 6.

In step ST2, the color filter layer 252 is formed on the secondsubstrate 250 in the first region “DR,” and the plurality of organic ELdiodes “D_(EL)” are formed on the color filter layers 252 in the firstregion “DR.” The overcoat layer 260 and the barrier layer 262 arefurther formed between the color filter layer 252 and the organic ELdiode “D_(EL)” sequentially shown in FIG. 6. Each of the organic ELdiode “D_(EL)” includes the first electrode 264, the organic EL layer266 and second electrode 268. In addition, the absorbent layer 276 isformed on the second substrate 250 in the second region “SR” whichsurrounds the second region “SR” except the outer IC connection portion“OP” shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Furthermore, the dummy layer 278 is formedon the second substrate 250 in the outer IC connection portion “OP” ofthe second region “SR,” and includes the same materials as the colorfilter layer 252, the overcoat layer 260, the barrier layer 262, thefirst electrode 264, the organic EL layer 266 and the second electrode268, to have the same thickness as the first laminated layers 253 shownin FIG. 6.

The order of the steps ST1 and ST2 can be changed, or simultaneouslyperformed in substantially any manner desired.

In step ST3, the seal pattern 270 is formed on one of the first andsecond substrates 210 and 250 in a surrounding portion of an outermostedge. The seal pattern 270 is located in an outside of the second region“SR.” And then, the first and second substrates 210 and 250 are attachedto each other with the seal pattern 270 therebetween, as shown in FIG.6. Because the first laminate layers 253 in the first region “DR” have athickness substantially equal to a thickness of the absorbent layer 276in the second region “SR” as shown in FIG. 6, the panel sagging problemis minimized during the attachment process. Furthermore, because theabsorbent layer 276 is also used for a preventing means of the panelsagging problem, an organic ELD according to the present invention canhave an absorbing ability without an additional packaging process for anabsorbent material.

After the attachment step, a step of irradiating a ultra-violet (UV)light may proceed to harden the absorbent layer (e.g., in the back sideof the second substrate). In this case, a buffer layer of a transparentmaterial may be formed on the second substrate with the absorbent layer.As shown in FIG. 8, the buffer layer 382 may be formed between thesecond substrate 350 and the absorbent layer 376 in the second region“SR” except the outer IC connection portion “OP” (of FIG. 5). In thiscase, the thickness “D3” of the buffer layer 382 and the absorbent layer376 corresponds to the thickness “D1” of the first laminate layers 353in the first region “DR” of the second substrate 350, as shown in FIG.8.

Accordingly, a dual panel type organic ELD and a method of fabricatingthereof according to an embodiment of the present invention result inseveral advantages. First, because a dual panel type organic ELDaccording to an embodiment of the present invention may be a topemission type, a high aperture ratio can be obtained. Second, because anarray element layer including thin film transistors and an organic ELdiode are independently formed on their respective substrates,disadvantages due to fabrication conditions of organic EL diodes can beminimized, thereby improving the overall production yield. Third, anabsorbent layer having an absorbing ability is formed in a periphery ofthe display region without additional thin film patterns, which providesan absorbing ability inside the panel and prevents the panel saggingproblem. Therefore, a space for an absorbent is not necessary. Fourth,because the periphery region of the second substrate may have a singlelayer structure with the absorbent layer, or a multi-layer structurewith the buffer layer and the absorbent layer, degree of process freedomfor the absorbent layer increases.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the organicelectroluminescent device and fabricating method thereof of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention provided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An organic electroluminescent device, comprising: first and secondsubstrates facing each other and spaced apart from each other, each ofthe first and second substrates having a first region and a secondregion in a periphery of the first region; an array element on an innersurface of the first substrate, the array element having a thin filmtransistor; an organic electroluminescent diode on an inner surface ofthe second substrate in the first region; a connection electrode betweenthe first and second substrates in the first region, the connectionelectrode connecting the first and second substrates electrically; aspacer on an inner surface of the first substrate in the second region,the spacer having a thickness corresponding to a height of theconnection electrode; an absorbent layer on an inner surface of thesecond substrate in the second region; and a seal pattern attaching thefirst and second substrates, the seal pattern outside of the absorbentlayer, wherein first laminate layers including the organicelectroluminescent diode of the second substrate in the first regionhave a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of second laminatelayers including the absorbent layer of the second substrate in thesecond region.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the secondlaminate layers include a buffer layer between the second substrate andthe absorbent layer in the second region.
 3. The device according toclaim 1, wherein the absorbent layer includes a non-solvent typeabsorbent material.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein thesecond region includes first to fourth regions, the first to thirdregions include the absorbent layer, and the fourth region does notinclude the absorbent layer.
 5. The device according to claim 4, furthercomprising a dummy layer on the fourth region, and the dummy layerextends to the second laminate layers, the dummy layer having athickness substantially equal to the thickness of the second laminatelayers.
 6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the fourth regionincludes an outer IC connection portion.
 7. The device according toclaim 2, wherein the organic electroluminescent diode includes a firstelectrode on the second substrate, an organic electroluminescent layeron the first electrode, and a second electrode on the organicelectroluminescent layer.
 8. The device according to claim 7, whereinthe first region includes a plurality of pixel regions in a matrixconfiguration, and the second electrode is formed in each pixel region.9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the organicelectroluminescent layer includes red, green and blue organicelectroluminescent layers, and each of the red, green and blue organicelectroluminescent layers corresponds to each of the plurality of thepixel regions.
 10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising acolor filter layer between the second substrate and the first electrode.11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the buffer layer includesat least one of the same material as the color filter layer, the firstelectrode, the organic electroluminescent layer and the secondelectrode.
 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the organicelectroluminescent layer has a single color.
 13. The device according toclaim 10, further comprising an overcoat layer between the color filterlayer and the first electrode, and a barrier layer on the overcoatlayer.
 14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the buffer layerincludes at least one of the same material as the color filter layer,the overcoat layer, the barrier layer and the organic electroluminescentdiode.
 15. The device according to claim 5, wherein the organicelectroluminescent diode includes a first electrode on the secondsubstrate, an organic electroluminescent layer on the first electrode,and a second electrode on the organic electroluminescent layer.
 16. Thedevice according to claim 15, wherein the dummy layer includes the samematerial as the first electrode, the organic electroluminescent layerand second electrode.
 17. The device according to claim 15, furthercomprising a color filter layer between the second substrate and thefirst electrode.
 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the dummylayer includes the same material as the color filter, the firstelectrode, the organic electroluminescent layer and the secondelectrode.
 19. The device according to claim 17, further comprising anovercoat layer between the color filter layer and the first electrode,and a barrier layer on the overcoat layer.
 20. The device according toclaim 17, wherein the dummy layer includes the same material as thecolor filter, the overcoat layer, the barrier layer, the firstelectrode, the organic electroluminescent layer and second electrode.21. The device according to claim 7, further comprising a color filterlayer, a color changing element, an overcoat layer and a barrier layerbetween the second substrate and the organic electroluminescent diode.22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the buffer layer includesat least one of the same material as the color filter layer, the colorchanging element, the first electrode, the organic electroluminescentlayer and the second electrode.
 23. The device according to claim 15,further comprising a color filter layer, a color changing element, anovercoat layer and a barrier layer between the second substrate and theorganic electroluminescent diode.
 24. The device according to claim 15,wherein the dummy layer includes the same material as the color filter,the color changing element, the first electrode, the organicelectroluminescent layer and the second electrode.
 25. The deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the buffer layer includes a transparentconductive material.
 26. The device according to claim 7, wherein thefirst electrode functions as an anode.
 27. The device according to claim19, wherein the first electrode includes a transparent conductivematerial.
 28. The device according to claim 7, wherein the secondelectrode functions as a cathode.
 29. A method of fabricating an organicelectroluminescent device, comprising: forming an array elementincluding a thin film transistor on a first substrate having a firstregion and a second region in a periphery of the first region; forming aspacer on the first substrate in the second region; forming an organicelectroluminescent diode on a second substrate having the first regionand the second region, the organic electroluminescent diode in the firstregion; forming an absorbent layer on the second substrate in the secondregion; forming a connection electrode on one of the first and secondsubstrates; and connecting the first and second substrates electricallythrough the connection electrode, wherein first laminate layersincluding the organic electroluminescent diode of the second substratein the first region have a thickness substantially equal to a thicknessof second laminate layers including the absorbent layer of the secondsubstrate in the second region.
 30. The method according to claim 29,wherein the second laminate layers include a buffer layer between thesecond substrate and the absorbent layer in the second region.
 31. Themethod according to claim 29, wherein the absorbent layer includes anon-solvent type absorbent material.
 32. The method according to claim29, wherein the second region includes first to fourth regions, thefirst to third regions include the absorbent layer, and the fourthregion does not include the absorbent layer.
 33. The method according toclaim 32, further comprising a dummy layer on the fourth region, and thedummy layer extends to the second laminate layers, the dummy layerhaving a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the secondlaminate layers.
 34. The method according to claim 32, wherein thefourth region includes an outer IC connection portion.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 30, wherein the step of forming the organicelectroluminescent diode includes forming a first electrode on thesecond substrate, forming an organic electroluminescent layer on thefirst electrode, and forming a second electrode on the organicelectroluminescent layer.
 36. The method according to claim 35, whereinthe buffer layer includes at least one of the same material as the firstelectrode, the organic electroluminescent layer and the secondelectrode.
 37. The method according to claim 35, further comprisingforming a color filter layer between the second substrate and the firstelectrode.
 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the bufferlayer includes at least one of the same material as the color filterlayer, the first electrode, the organic electroluminescent layer and thesecond electrode.
 39. The method according to claim 37, furthercomprising an overcoat layer between the color filter layer and thefirst electrode, and a barrier layer on the overcoat layer.
 40. Themethod according to claim 39, wherein the buffer layer includes at leastone of the same material as the color filter layer, the overcoat layer,the barrier layer and the organic electroluminescent diode.
 41. Themethod according to claim 33, wherein the step of forming the organicelectroluminescent diode includes forming a first electrode on thesecond substrate, forming an organic electroluminescent layer on thefirst electrode, and forming a second electrode on the organicelectroluminescent layer.
 42. The method according to claim 41, whereinthe dummy layer includes the same material as the first electrode, theorganic electroluminescent layer and second electrode.
 43. The methodaccording to claim 41, further comprising forming a color filter layerbetween the second substrate and the first electrode.
 44. The methodaccording to claim 41, wherein the dummy layer includes the samematerial as the color filter, the first electrode, the organicelectroluminescent layer and the second electrode.
 45. The methodaccording to claim 43, further comprising forming an overcoat layerbetween the color filter layer and the first electrode, and forming abarrier layer on the overcoat layer.
 46. The method according to claim45, wherein the dummy layer includes the same material as the colorfilter, the overcoat layer, the barrier layer, the first electrode, theorganic electroluminescent layer and second electrode.
 47. The methodaccording to claim 30, further comprising forming a color filter layer,forming a color changing element, forming an overcoat layer and forminga barrier layer between the second substrate and the organicelectroluminescent diode.
 48. The method according to claim 47, whereinthe buffer layer includes at least one of the same material as the colorfilter layer, the color changing element, the first electrode, theorganic electroluminescent layer and the second electrode.
 49. Themethod according to claim 30, further comprising forming a color filterlayer, forming a color changing element, forming an overcoat layer andforming a barrier layer between the second substrate and the organicelectroluminescent diode.
 50. The method according to claim 49, whereinthe dummy layer includes the same material as the color filter, thecolor changing element, the first electrode, the organicelectroluminescent layer and the second electrode.